A number of years ago, a bylaw was passed in Toronto which prohibited the sale of pesticides. More recently, the province of Ontario passed a similar law so that the entire province is now virtuallypesticide-free.

What does this mean for Toronto? Well, it basically means that Toronto is now a more eco-friendly city than it was before. Although many lawns are covered in weeds, there are more wild rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and butterflies than there ever were before.

The rustic beach by Lake Ontario is swarming with dragonflies and frogs, as is the beautiful Edwards Gardens - a park on the outskirts of Toronto. Compared to the trees in Osaka, the trees in Toronto are enormous, towering over people, houses, and apartment buildings. There are a few swampy areas in and around the park that are filled with fish and birds.

One thing that is noticeably cleaner in Toronto is the air. The air is very fresh and easy to breathe, especially on a clear, sunny day. Birds sing at all hours of the day, and late hours of the night.

Plants grow remarkably well in Toronto. Although my family never intended to grow anything in the backyard, two raspberry bushes spontaneously popped up along the fence, and a few rows of bell-like flowers took control of the barbecue area.

The summer and fall are great seasons to visit Toronto, while the temperature is still hospitable, before the winter chill moves in.